Clare Valley

Time to relax

Settled in the 1840s and named after County Clare in Ireland, the Clare Valley has it all. There are heritage towns and trails, boutique wineries, museums and galleries.

Fleeing religious persecution in Silesia (now part of Poland), Jesuit priests planted the first vines in 1851. While they still produce their sacramental wine, there’s so much more to enjoy, including some of the world’s best Riesling.

Linked by scenic roads and framed by farms and vines, the Clare Valley is an idyllic combination of the practical and picture postcard.

The Clare Valley has been making wine since the first grapes were planted in 1851. Today there are more than 40 cellar doors along a narrow 40 kilometre corridor, between Auburn and Clare. The towns are spaced closely together.

Food movement

Clare Valley is home to an emerging gourmet food scene, an opportunity to taste the best locally grown produce often served in beautiful historic buildings.

Trails are popular in the Clare Valley. Walk or cycle the gentle gradients past woodland cottages to secluded picnic sports, wineries and restaurants. Park the car and take a “looped” trail.

History and heritage

Rich historical seams run throughout the Clare Valley. The galleries and museums pay homage to those bygone days.

Copper was discovered in Burra in 1945 and within 30 years its Monster Mine was the world’s biggest.

Explore conservation parks to see giant 50,000 year old wombat fossils, stunning native wildflowers and majestic colonial homes such as Martindale Hall.

There are boutique businesses in historic bluestone buildings. Markets sell produce made using antique presses and grindstone “technology.” From olive oil to saltbush lamb, Clare Valley produce is not just about fancy branding.